Eternal Life in Christ: Living in the Kingdom of Heaven
Eternal life is not just an existence without end—it is the very life of Christ dwelling in us when we live according to the kingdom of heaven rather than the kingdom of this world. Jesus Himself defines eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom He sent (John 17:3). It is a life rooted in relationship, love, and truth, rather than merely a continuation of time.
Who is Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ is more than a historical figure—He is God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14), the King of kings (Revelation 19:16), our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), our Brother (Romans 8:29), and our Friend (John 15:15). He came to reveal the Father to us (John 14:9) so that we might know and love Him. Since God is love (1 John 4:8), knowing Jesus—who is one with the Father—means knowing perfect love, which is the essence of eternal life.
Becoming Part of God's Eternal Family
If we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, we become part of God’s eternal family. We are adopted as sons and daughters of God (Romans 8:15–17), made co-heirs with Christ, and will dwell with Him forever in His kingdom. Even though we may endure trials and hardships on this earth (John 16:33), our future is secure in the love and blessings of God, which will never end (Romans 8:38–39).
How Do We Receive Eternal Life?
Jesus Himself is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). There is no eternal life apart from Him. Some search the Scriptures, thinking that in them they will find eternal life, but Jesus tells us that the Scriptures testify about Him (John 5:39). Eternal life is not just about knowing the words of God but about knowing the Word made flesh (John 1:14), through whom life is given.
Every word that Jesus spoke, every promise, every command, and every truth He taught leads to eternal life (John 6:63). The way to the Father and His eternal kingdom is through belief in Jesus Christ, for He is the one who reveals the Father and brings us into His everlasting kingdom (John 14:9, Matthew 25:34).
Fixing Our Minds on the Eternal
To walk in eternal life, we must shift our focus away from earthly things and set our minds on things above:
- Take every thought captive that sets itself against the knowledge of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
- Do not conform to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).
- Think only on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
- Guard your heart diligently, for everything you do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23).
- Keep your mind steadfast in trust in the Lord, and you will have perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).
- Put on the full armor of God to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy (Ephesians 6:11).
Living Out Eternal Life Today
Eternal life is not just something that begins after death—it starts now when we abide in Christ. To abide in Him means to walk in His truth, be led by His Spirit, and live according to His kingdom principles. As we walk in faith, love, and obedience, we experience the fullness of joy and peace that comes from living in Christ (John 15:11, Romans 15:13).
Jesus Christ has already won the victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:55–57), and by faith in Him, we share in that victory. Eternal life is a gift, freely given to all who believe (Romans 6:23), and it is an unshakable hope that sustains us through every trial and every moment of our earthly journey.
So let us live not for this world, but for the kingdom of heaven, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and looking forward to the eternal inheritance prepared for us in Him (1 Peter 1:3–4).